Planting Instructions
Hometown Horticulture
We are a family owned and operated garden supply company dedicated to connecting locally sourced growers to the masses. Our goal is to make the world more beautiful, one yard at a time!
Come Grow With Us!
Thank you for supporting small business by choosing us for your nursery needs!! Here at Green Thumbs Garden, we devote a tremendous amount of care into the cultivation of each plant. Our main focus is to deliver superior trees and shrubs at competitive prices, directly to your door. If there are any varieties or cultivars you do not see and would like to, let us know! We are constantly trying to grow and expand!
In this brochure you will find planting and care instructions along with frequently asked questions. Upon receiving your package, we would ask that you carefully separate and inspect each of your items. Our staff is extremely small, and we spend countless hours tending to plants and packaging orders, which makes it difficult to answer the phone at times. We ask that you email us immediately with any questions or concerns. We usually respond within 1 business day.
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS!
Planting & Care Instructions:
For best results, please thoroughly read and follow these simple planting instructions
- Allow your plant’s roots to soak in water for at least 2-4 hours before planting.
- Choose a location that is best for your plant's maximum growth benefit. Most plants, shrubs and trees need at least 6 hours of sun, unless otherwise noted.
- Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate your plant’s current root system with some extra room to grow. This is typically 1 1/2 - 2 times the size of your root system.
- Remove any grass within a 3-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter. Spread out the plant’s roots to encourage outward growth. Keep the plant vertical in the planting hole so that it grows straight. Stake if needed.
- Fertilizing should be approached with caution. Do NOT add fertilizer, potting soil or any chemicals to your tree in the first year. If you choose to fertilize on the second year a general rule of thumb is to never fertilize before mid-April, and never after mid-summer. The fertilizer needs a chance to dissipate before the cold months.
- Refill the hole with the soil and any other soil amendments (peat moss, manure, humus etc.). Make sure to cover only up to the original dirt line, or 4-6 inches above the top of the roots.
- Gently tamp out any air pockets from the soil once the planting hole is filled. Be careful not to over pack the dirt.
- After the water has soaked in, spread protective mulch two inches deep in a 3-foot diameter area around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk.
- The soil and mulch around your trees should be kept moist but not soggy. During dry weather, generously water the tree every 7 to 10 days during the first year. Water slowly at the dripline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I can't plant my new tree right away?
A: No worries. You can heel the tree in a bucket or bed of dirt/mulch until you're able. Just be sure to keep the plants cool and moist.
Q: My trees or shrubs were wilted on arrival.
A: A great deal of care has been put into the packaging of your tree(s). However, it has been in a dark box for two or three days, likely handled roughly by the mail carrier, and possibly exposed to extreme temperatures. Your tree(s) may look a little wilted or dry, but this is common and nothing to be concerned about. With proper watering, your tree will rejuvenate itself.
Q: Why are the leaves on my tree are turning yellow?
A: In most cases yellow leaves are sign of too much water. This can occur from too much rain, too much watering, or perhaps poor drainage.
Q: Why are the leaves curling and turning brown?
A: This is usually caused by too little water. If you feel you are giving it enough water, it could be that the soil is draining very quickly and the roots are not getting what they need. It could also be that the tree is on a slight slope in which case most of the water may be running off the slope.
Q: My trees are dormant; how long can I expect to wait to see new growth?
A: If planting in the fall, and based on your planting zone, it can take up to 6 months. If planting in spring, and based on your planting zone, it can take up to 12 weeks.
Q: Do I need to prune my tree?
A: Proper pruning is vital to the stimulation, survival and shaping of your new tree. All bare-root trees from our nursery are professionally pruned just before they are packaged and shipped to you, so you will not need to prune before planting. You should begin pruning your tree at least once per year, after the first year.
Q: When is the best time to prune my tree?
A: Choosing when to prune your tree depends on your location. In warmer parts of the country, it is best to prune in late fall or early winter. In colder parts of the country, it is best to wait until the coldest weather is over before pruning. In the northern regions, late winter is a very popular time for pruning.
ABOUT US
Warren County is located on the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee, one of the three Grand Divisions of the state. It doesn’t take long for visitors to Warren County to realize the region is a natural wonderland, with more than 300 nurseries operating in the area. Local growers ship their trees, plants and flowers to customers all over the United States. Thanks to the region’s fertile soil, mild climate and geographic location, it’s a trade that has thrived in McMinnville, in the county of Warren County, for more than a century!
HAPPY PLANTING!!
Green Thumbs Garden
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